Saturday, February 21, 2009

What Gives?

This past Thursday night, was a cold, miserable, typical winter night in Chicago. I was meeting a friend for drinks. I rode my winter bike. She took a cab, so naturally I arrived first. I decided to wait outside as opposed to going in, just in case there might be a change in plan. While standing at the corner of North Damen and Milwaukee Ave, I couldn't help but notice how many others were out in the shitty weather riding like me. I get a warm feeling whenever I see anyone riding during winter in the Windy City. I regularly check out other cyclists, just to see what they're riding or how the bike might be set up.

One thing I couldn't help but notice was how many ragged rides there are in town. Trust me, I get it, in Chicago bike theft is rampant. The winters are downright cruel. So, if someone is riding a POS, I understand. What I don't get is a rider who's chain is so rusty that it barely turns. I saw a kid whose bottom bracket was creaking so loud, you could hear it easily, even though we were at one of the louder intersections in the city. I guy rolled by on one of those Wal-mart bikes (i guess you could say he rolled)Both wheels were so grossly out of true that he had to loosen his brakes to the point where they were in-operable.

I don't know maybe it's me. I've always enjoyed riding a bike that is easy to pedal, that fucking fly's when you want it to and that won't get you killed when an emergency stop is required.

The midnight Marauders Porn ride, takes off from that same intersection tonight. I'm thinking, I should maybe return to my spot and just park and yell like a raving lunatic, Hey mama you'd look really hot if your tires were inflated! Yo chief let me oil that chain for you, one dollar! Maybe just, Hey..Hey you..Fix your goddamn bike!